Pub saved from closure eight years ago is now put up for sale

Sarah Page

A couple who saved a village pub from closure in 2008 have now put it up for sale.

The Cock Inn in Wivelsfield Green, which dates from the 19th century, is on the market for £650,000.

Current owners David and Jo Hunter bought the pub from Punch Taverns in 2009 and it has since gone from strength to strength.

But the couple have now decided to sell up and have put the pub on the market through leisure property specialists Fleurets.

However, they say, they are confident that the pub will remain a success. Said David: “It’s definitely not going to go down the line of becoming a Co-op or anything like that.

“It’s a thriving community pub and is very well supported by the locals. It’s a thriving business and we have seen a year on year increase since we’ve been here.”

But, he said, he expected it to take some time before a sale was agreed because of the current market.

He added: “We have struggled with this decision for many reasons, but ultimately a freehold sale will give us the freedom to concentrate on our family and explore other opportunities.”

He and Jo have three children between them aged between 18 months and nine years, and said David, they wanted to have more time to devote to their growing family.

Nick Earee, of selling agents Fleurets added: “With a desirable village location, the pub enjoys business from local and passing trade and should benefit from a development of seventy five houses already underway within walking distance.”